The Best of episode #43 with Abe Shehadeh and BlackStrap Industries  Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

What happens when you combine the power of entrepreneurial spirit, a love for outdoor activities, and a community-driven mindset? You get the inspiring journey of Abe Shehadeh, founder and CEO of Blackstrap Industries. On today's episode, we're privileged to have Abe share the captivating story of Blackstrap's evolution from a simple idea into a successful outdoor brand. From embracing a bootstrapping mentality to fostering a supportive environment for his team, Abe's passion and drive are evident in each facet of his company's growth.As we journey through the chapters of Blackstrap's growth, we delve into the heart of its DNA - its commitment to innovation, its purpose-driven approach, and its dedication to the community. We also dig deep into the power of brand ambassadors, the role of social media, and how recognizing opportunities can shape a brand's trajectory. But it's not all business! We'll also hear about Abe's passion for outdoor activities like snowboarding and fly fishing, and how these activities serve as a form of therapy, providing a unique balance between work and play.Finally, we'll discuss Blackstrap's impressive response to the Covid-19 crisis, donating over five million face masks to organizations in need. Through it all, Abe emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring those who have been integral parts of the Bend community, revealing his belief in the interconnectedness of personal growth and community development. So, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or passionate community builder, today's episode is sure to provide valuable insights and inspire you to dream big. Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

The Best parts of Episode #42 with Ian Barker-Cortrecht and Travis Yamada.  Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to connect with the mountain without bindings on your snowboard? Join us on an intriguing journey, as we sit down with local board shapers Travis Yamada and Ian Barker-Cortrecht to discuss the de-evolution back to  powsurfing. This episode is sure to captivate you with rich tales of passion, innovation and the pioneering spirit that has driven the rise of a sport that returns snowboarding to its purest form.We go back in time to the early days of snowboarding, But it's not all about the past, we also look at the present and future, exploring Jeremy Jensen's revolutionary binding design that is changing the way we approach this sport. Erik Traulsen, host of the FN Rad Snowboard Podcast participates in the conversation as much of the progression of riding boards without bindings has its roots in Canada. You don't want to miss out on this remarkable journey into the heart of powsurfing and the adventurous souls who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.In this lively conversation, we delve into the personal journeys of our guests and their plans to start producing powsurfers through The Cubicle Surf Shop, a local ocean and freshwater surfboard brand, owned and operated by Travis Yamada.  So, strap in (or should we say strap off?) as we ride the waves of this fascinating discussion about powsurfing and the camaraderie we find in the mountains. Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

On July 19th 2023 Chip Conrad posted the first in what has become a  growing series focused around authentic personal inquiry and universal, shared life experience. The Instagram series has been dubbed Chip and Nips by his followers, and Chip continues to produce transparent monologs asking honest questions focused on subject matter ranging from the personal challenges surrounding mental health, to the dangers of self-comparison, job and salary satisfaction,  levels of happiness, previous religious identity and much more.  On episode #41 I have the absolute pleasure to sit down with my friend Chip Conrad, as he shares his story of how a kid from Columbus Ohio landed in Bend Oregon and along the way traveled the world performing live improv comedy, owned a surfboard shaping company, opened a comedy club, wrote a book on and taught entrepreneurship, and built and sold a coworking space. Now running Bend Camper Company, Chip and his team are making quite a name for themselves in the space of van builds, conversions, and service. Yo Chip, this was a fun one man. I appreciate the authenticity and vulnerability you live your life with and the space you’re creating encouraging transparency as a source of fostering Trust.  I’m looking forward to skating the conveyer belt with you man. Thanks for listening to Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast. Make sure to pick up the latest Sept/Oct issue, it’s a good one. Greg Morris highlights 12 individuals in our community exceling in the art of coaching and Lucas Alberg explores the Buisness of running, how race participation is rebounding after Covid and just how much the running culture contributes to the health of our community.  Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu.  We love mail, so please send us comments, questions,  or art to [email protected].  Support The Circling Podcast by becoming a member on Patreon at patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast and learn how your financial contribution will help support local nonprofits while also supporting local podcasting. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on all major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help.  I’d like to say a special thank you to all of  those who participated in the making of this episode, it wouldn’t be the same without your contribution and I appreciate your trust . Follow Chip on Instagram @chipconrad and catch up on all the episodes in the Chip and Nips series, they’re all very thought provoking and real.  Visit chip and his team at  www.bendcamperco.com and learn about all the van build and conversion opportunities that are offered. Don’t forget to stay tuned after the show credits for Chip’s contribution to The Circling Podcast’s community art project and visit markjamnik.com to learn more about Subliminal Story art embedded with meaning. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.   Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

On episode 40 of Bend Magazine’s the Circling Podcast, we continue our series designed to supplement the Sept/Oct issue of Bend Magazine and an article written by Gregg Morris highlighting 12 individuals in our community who are helping others unlock their potential and maximize their growth. Those who are helping others achieve their goals through instruction, training, guidance, and the sharing of lessons learned through life experience.  In this series we’ve been talking and learning from those in our community who are coaches. On this episode, join me as I have the privilege of talking with Deena Kamm.  Deena is an experienced and successful singer, songwriter and music producer, and has been recording, touring, and creating music for over 30 yrs. Shortly after moving to Bend in 2010 she launched a private vocal coaching practice that has quite literally, changed the lives of many students as they discover and grow into their true voice through the training and education Deena provides.  During our conversation Deena shares her story of coming up in the entertainment business, the successes of her own band, the why behind her creation of public rock choir and her passion behind helping others find the hidden power in their own voice through her private vocal coaching practice, Sing Bend. Thanks for your time Deena, I really enjoyed this one as you taught me a lot. I recently read that humans have three basic needs in order to feel content; We need to feel competent at what we do, we need to feel authentic in our lives and we need to feel connected to others. It seems clear to me that the work you’re doing is checking all the right boxes.  Stay Loud Deena and I’ll see you at Public Rock Choir this fall. Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu.  We love mail, so please send us comments, questions,  or art to [email protected].  Support The Circling Podcast by becoming a member on Patreon at patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast and learn how your financial contribution will help support local nonprofits while also supporting local podcasting. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on all major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help.  I’d like to say a special thank you to all of  those who participated in the making of this episode, it wouldn’t be the same without your contribution and I appreciate your trust . Visit Deena at www.singbend.com and learn more about Public Rock Choir and all the work Deena is up to. Don’t forget to stay tuned after the show credits for Deena’s contribution to The Circling Podcast’s community art project and visit markjamnik.com to learn more about Subliminal Story art embedded with meaning. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.      Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

On episode 39 of Bend Magazine’s the Circling Podcast, we continue a series focusing on individuals in our community who are helping others unlock their potential and maximize their growth. Those who are helping others achieve their goals through instruction, training, guidance, and the sharing of lessons learned through life experience.  On this series we will be focusing on those in our community who are Coaches. On our second episode in the series, my old friend Gabe Triplette, owner and operator of Bearings Skateboard Academy takes a moment to share his story and I discuss how the sport of skateboarding is a unique vehicle for human development and growth. Gabe shares his family history and much of the why behind what he does, and we hear from several of Gabe’s previous students as they share how the inclusive, encouraging and innovative style of Gabe’s coaching continues to influence their lives, and how the lessons learned through skating have allowed them to pursue their goals with fortitude and confidence.Brother Gabe, the sport of skateboarding, and Central Oregon is lucky to have you. You’re an amazing ambassador for the sport and for setting an example of what it means to be a skateboarder. Let me know when you get your new warehouse, I’ll come help you build some ramps.  Thanks for listening to Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast. Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu.  We love mail, so please send us comments, questions,  or art to [email protected].  Support The Circling Podcast by becoming a member on Patreon at www.patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast and learn how your financial contribution will help support local nonprofits while also supporting local podcasting. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on all major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help.  I’d like to say a special thank you to all of  those who participated in the making of this episode, it wouldn’t be the same without your contribution and I appreciate your trust . Visit Gabe and learn more about Bearings Skateboard Academy at www.bearings-skateboard-academy.com Stay tuned after the show credits for Gabe’s contribution to The Circling Podcast’s community art project and visit markjamnik.com to learn more about Subliminal Story art embedded with meaning. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.  Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

On episode 38 of Bend Magazine’s the Circling Podcast, we begin a series focusing on individuals in our community who are helping others unlock their potential and maximize their growth. Those who are helping others achieve their goals through instruction, training, guidance, and the sharing of lessons learned through life experience.  On this series we will be focusing on those in our community who are Coaches. On our first episode in the series, I have the privilege of sitting down with Ryan Clark,  Owner of Clarks University of Martial Arts. Ryan is a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who leads a highly qualified team of coaches instructing students of all ages in multiple disciplines including Muay Thai kickboxing, Filipino Martial Arts, Jeet Kune Do and of course, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Join me and Bend Magazine contributing writer Gregg Morris as Ryan shares how the lessons learned through a life committed to the  study of martial arts have helped him navigate the challenges of his own life, and how he uses martial arts as a vehicle to aide others in character building and human development. Yo Ryan, It’s been said that there are leaders and those who lead. Leaders hold positions of power and authority, those who lead inspire.  After spending time in your gym and time with those whose lives your changing, there’s no denying that you’re an inspiration to many. Thanks for your time my man and keep up the good work. Thanks for listening to Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast. Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu.  We love mail, so please send us comments, questions,  or art to [email protected].  Support The Circling Podcast by becoming a member on Patreon at patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast and learn how your financial contribution will help support local nonprofits while also supporting local podcasting. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on all major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help.  I’d like to say a special thank you to all of  those who participated in the making of this episode, it wouldn’t be the same without your contribution and I appreciate your trust . Learn more about Ryan, the rest of his team and all the programs offered through Clarks University of Martial Arts at www.clarksuniversity.com. Stay tuned after the show credits for Ryan’s contribution to The Circling Podcast’s community art project and visit markjamnik.com to learn more about Subliminal Story art embedded with meaning. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.  https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comhttps://www.greggwrites.com Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

On 2/16/17, Kristen and Ville Jokinen rode their Surly disc trucker touring bikes into the southernmost coastal community of  Ushuaia Argentina.  Having started this adventure in Prudhoe bay Alaska some twenty months prior, the 18,215 miles that the couple peddled during their journey across two continents combined with the kindness from those they meet along the way is the subject of Kristen’s new book titled Joy Ride, A bike odyssey from Alaska to Argentina.  On episode 37 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast, Kristen and Ville join me in our new studio to share more of their story.  Kristen shares why she wrote Joy Ride, she and Ville share more about their personal lives, they discuss the success of the book, life lessons they’ve learned during their adventures and just how good and pure humanity can be.  Kristen, Ville,  Thanks again. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy book tour, and Kristen, thank you for writing this book.  It’s been said that people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. If this is true, get ready to sell a lot of books. Thanks for listening to Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast. Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu.  We love mail, so please send us comments, questions,  or art to [email protected].  Support The Circling Podcast by becoming a member on Patreon at patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast and learn how your financial contribution will help support local nonprofits while also supporting local podcasting. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on all major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help.  I’d like to say a special thank you to all of  those who participated in the making of this episode, it wouldn’t be the same without your contribution and I appreciate your trust . Visit Kristen and Ville at www.welostthemap.com and make sure to pick up a copy of Joy Ride wherever you like to buy your books, and make sure to leave an online review. Stay tuned after the show credits for Kristen and Ville’s contribution to The Circling Podcast’s community art project and visit markjamnik.com to learn more about Subliminal Story art embedded with meaning. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.   Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!

On episode 36 of The Circling Podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with long time Central Oregonians, Lev and Kirin Stryker, owners and operators of Cog Wild bicycle tours and Shuttles. Lev and Kirin share their story of how they landed in Bend back in the 90’s, and the many life steppingstones that have led them to where they are today. Currently operating out of the LOGE, formally the Entrada Lodge, off of Century Drive, Kirin, Lev, and the rest of the Cog Wild team provide daily guided rides, skills instruction, and regular shuttles to the popular trial-heads around Bend and Oakridge, as well as guided multi-day MTB adventures on the backcountry trails throughout Oregon.  In addition to professional mountain bike instruction and guiding, Cog Wild provides opportunity to learn about the rich natural and cultural history of Central Oregon while strongly promoting, encouraging, and regularly participating in trail and land stewardship.  Kirin, Lev, Thank you for intention that you put into how you run Cog Wild. To borrow an idea from Rick Ruben, Though a business may have a number of goals and motivations, there is only one intention. This is the grand gesture of the brand.  After talking with you and so many others,  I could make a good argument that your grand gesture is inspired by stewardship. Stewardship for the trails that we use and the land on which they are built. And Stewardship for the community by providing a fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for those  both new and old to Central Oregon and for those both new and old to the wonderful sport of cycling.   Thanks for listening to The Circling Podcast. Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu. A big shout out to Pete Alport for allowing us to use his images as seasonally inspired cover art for the show. View more of Pete’s work and learn how you can own some of his images the capture the magic of where we live at www.petealport.com. Have Ideas or art that you’d like to submit, please do. We love mail, so please send us comments, questions,  show ideas or art to [email protected].  Support The Circling Podcast by becoming a member on Patreon at patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast and learn how your financial contribution will help support local nonprofits while also supporting local podcasting. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on most major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help.  I’d like to say a special thank you to all of  those who participated in the making of this episode, it wouldn’t be the same without your contribution and I appreciate your trust . Visit Cog Wild online at www.cogwild.com and explore all that Kirin, Lev and the rest of the team at Cog Wild have to offer. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.         Support The Circling Podcast:Email us at: [email protected] the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast NOTA Visual Show Notes: https://nota.fm/thecirclingFollow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazineCover Song by: @theerinsmusic on InstagramBend Magazine: https://bendmagazine.comBOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.comBack Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.comStory Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#introRemember, the health of our community, relies on us!